The Healing From God
Kevin (not his real name) stood before the congregation to give a prayer request for his son. Through some infirmity, doctors had diagnosed him as needing a major, incapacitating surgery which was very expensive.
My wife had previously informed me that Kevin’s family had ailment after ailment, and they were significant. This included not only wife and children, but parents and other relatives as well. I am a firm believer in divine healing, but this incident was certainly early in my growing understanding of the subject. The Holy Ghost gave me the conviction to pray for Kevin separately after the service, which I did…
This was to be a lesson for me, and a motivator. God asks us to obey, whether or not any visible “success” is achieved.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10
Kevin thanked me for doing as God had led, but…it was clear that he absolutely did not believe his son would be healed, apart from surgery! To me, it was beyond understanding. Why would anyone raise a prayer request without wanting a divine intervention? Kevin had already worked out the details for “healing” his son, so why bring it up? Was it for financial support? Or was it for sympathy? Faith is the key for any answer to prayer, be the request great or small. Jesus Christ, God almighty himself, had places He could not work in because of unbelief, while physically here on earth. The scriptural blurbs about it are few; God would rather spend time showing us the great results true faith can bring.
There are many different reasons for illness to come, and they can be as unique as the individuals they afflict. We will look into many of these reasons. Yet there is one overriding message from the Bible; God wants to heal us, though at times we must earnestly seek Him with true humility. Further reading on causes of illness are found in our Godly Chastening section; Much has been discussed there, so my repetition of it will be limited.
God does punish for sin, even as He did with King David in II Samuel chapter 12. David repented for his sin, but his illegitimate son still died as a result. Even here, our God shows mercy with justice! That child was taken into heaven, where he was united with his earthly father a short time later—praise the Lord for His infinite grace! (see also John 5:14)
With Job, the suffering was not because of sins. Here the reason seems to be the refining, or perfecting, of one of His (God’s) children; giving Job a deeper understanding of his own creator in order to perfect holiness (Hebrews 12:11), and also as an example to countless believers in the future (Hebrews 11:39,40).
In John chapter nine, we are given the account of Jesus’ healing of a blind man. Verses 1-3 give the explanation for this infirmity;
And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. John 9:1-3
God was magnified through this healing, and the subsequent account given by the entire chapter.
The Lord Jesus chastened me when I had fallen back into sin (Revelation 3:19). He has also used illness and healing to direct my steps, or to confirm instructions already given.
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9
We must learn to trust God’s direction and how He gives it, even if we can’t see the reasoning in the flesh.
When Joseph was given his dreams, it took 22 years for their fulfillment. It directly led to slavery and imprisonment for 13 of those years—but he was exactly where God wanted him to be!
What about protection? We will not know in the flesh the many ways God watches out for us. Something seemingly unpleasant could actually be for our greater good—our Heavenly Father knows; we do not (Lamentations 3:19-23). For example, what if an unexpected head cold keeps you home one day. Were you protected from a car accident? Could something have happened to you at work? We simply do not know. Wise words indeed therefore are these words found in Proverbs 3:5,6:
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6
Being a faithful witness is to follow the example of Christ—and a commission which every believer is given. Doctors and nurses need Christ for their savior too! You may be the one to carry that message to them. Or it may be simply to encourage another member of the body of Christ.
It is also important to regard others with compassion and empathy. If we have gone through an ordeal ourselves, we are more effective for Christ when interacting with others. Jesus shows us this, as well!
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:17,18
When the Lord is directing your steps, there is always a purpose for the things we encounter. But rest assured; Jesus Christ will heal you. He has promised it, He gives good gifts to His children, and you will be healed in due season—when the purpose of the infirmity is done. And one purpose is certainly the increase of faith.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Diligence is the key. In Luke 18:1 we are told always to pray, and not faint. If our God were to answer every prayer immediately, He would be more of a Genie who obeys our whims than the great Lord God almighty! We are to be directed by Jesus through the Holy Spirit—not giving instructions to God.
Two keys are helpful in our understanding of praying in faith to receive. 1) Mark 11:24 tells us that when we pray, to “believe that we receive”—and we shall have them. Faith before sight (or feeling)! In this passage (Mark 11:13-24; please read all) Jesus had cursed a fig tree, but the result of that was only seen on the day after. Some “time delays” are much greater than a single day! Keep praying and believing, even as Daniel continued in prayer with fasting for three weeks until the answer came (Daniel 10). Even though it took that long, it was revealed that the prayer answer was actually delivered at the start of Daniels prayers. 2) God answers at the right time. While we may think the need is immediate, our Lord knows when it actually is due. This is one of the major lessons God keeps teaching me—and what a blessing it is to see the answers break through, often in the nick of time. Many are the scriptural examples, but this one sums it up very well:
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Psalms 145:14,15
Several years ago, my wife became very ill. There was nausea, vomiting, and severe shaking, and it was worst in the evenings. We prayed for healing, but it got worse (over a couple days). Finally I took her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a kidney infection—and a 105 degree temperature! It was a testimony of the Holy Spirit within Jamie that she remained entirely clear minded the entire time. The nurse told her that high fevers like hers usually lead to delirium.
Jamie was treated, and released after a short stay. But the story on her illness and it’s purpose in our lives was still being written.
Two more weeks passed, but a slightly milder form of the original illness remained with her. We again turned to the Lord for His healing. On one night in particular we spent considerable time praying over it, and it did seem to be a “breakthrough” session—a time when you sense it is done.
The next morning it was back again, Jamie as sick as ever. I had just come out of my devotions where I had committed her health to the Lord yet again. When we spoke I said to Jamie, “I don’t know what else there is to do. We’ve committed it in prayer—just trust in the Lord.” Indeed, God’s peace was inside me. Yet it really hurt to see my wife suffering.
When I got home that night, Jamie was whole again! She told me that about mid-day at work it seemed to just leave her. We must believe that we receive, and be persistent with our prayers. We have to trust God beyond our understanding, beyond what we perceive can or will happen. God used the doctors for a diagnosis, but He was mostly teaching us persistence in prayer and faith. God reserved the final healing for Himself to do alone (Isaiah 42:8).
Another fair question to ask is, why did healing through Jesus and the disciples seem so easy? Where is that kind of faith today? First of all, such healing does, and will always exist while the Lord is present through His Spirit. But secondly, that kind of faith is a greatly endangered “species.”
Yet the questioning of healing lies within the church, and that is the source of the difference. When Jesus was physically here, and later thought the disciples, healing was a visible show of ministry toward an unsaved world. It was compassionate outreach, as God’s Son showed to the world the love of the Father. Even though multitudes gladly received this loving touch, still only very few received Him (Jesus) unto repentance and salvation.
The illnesses being addressed in this article today, largely regard the church. Those of the true church, Christ’s body, are afflicted by infirmities for some of the other reasons I list, such as chastening, direction, and perfecting. Scripture affirms that God’s people are not dealt with in the same way as the unsaved world.
I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Psalms 119:75
You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Amos 3:2
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 11:32
Most of us today have miserable prayer lives. We pray inconsistently and briefly, yet expect the world to change. Then when it doesn’t change after a single two minute prayer, we give up. Or we rationalize that it is not God’s will, or He wants us to suffer. This is really an excuse for our own lack of faith. To “hunger and thirst” after righteousness is far less comfortable than being immediately filled. Yet that is what God wants; an intimate, consistent relationship with us everyday. Coming to Him again and again, denying ourselves and taking up our crosses daily! The organized churches today have thrown out God’s Word, and teach us to be comfortable in God’s love—rather than growing in faith toward Him.
Part of faith’s lack is in going to doctors first, or only, for your ills. As we have discussed, there may be reasons the Lord has you go to a doctor. But when the Bible talks about God’s healing, it does not mean through earthly medicine! Too many rationalize that medicinal healing is God’s gift of healing—and it clearly is not.
There is a limited place for physicians/medicine, and the Word puts forth no direct condemnation of them. Yet in all the accounts of healing in the Bible, when was the individual ever sent to a doctor? Couldn’t God have given us an example of such, if it were in His plan?
1) Go to God first: If Jesus is your Lord, let Him direct you. God is glorified through you when you let Him heal; He wants you to ask!
2) Medicine is not God’s gift: All gifts given by our Heavenly Father are free. The very nature of any gift is that the recipient mustn’t pay for it! It may be acceptable to take an aspirin, or to have a physician advise you on living a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition. But long term or life-long treatments/medications are a bondage which God doesn’t want you to have. See I Kings 5:1-16,26. Elisha showed here that it was clearly wrong to accept compensation for God’s healing.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17
3) Doctors fall Short: Many cures hurt far worse than the disease! In the haste of medicine to treat various ills, they overlook how strengthening one part of your immune system can seriously weaken others—or they think it an “acceptable” compromise. Your creator knows you far better than that! He fashioned you by His hand, and knows exactly how to restore you to wellness. Best of all, He won’t charge for His services.
The Bible gives accounts of this, as well.
And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians. II Chronicles 16:12
But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. Job 13:4
And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, Mark 5:25,26
Cancer has been a ravaging disease in America, and in my family as well. My grandfather, uncle, and mother all passed away with slightly different cancers. Many who are seemingly close to the Lord get it as well. It perplexed me for some time, because of all that the Word shares about healing.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17,18
The root cause of most cancers seems to be dietary, environmental, or hereditary; according to the medical sciences. In other words, poor eating habits, extended exposure to toxic substances (tobacco, lead, etc.), or passed down physically within families—usually because of the first two reasons. Research and observation on my part (opinion) seem to indicate that these observations are somewhat accurate.
Shouldn’t God’s children be immune from this?
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19
The Bible provides a major root cause of disease and death in I Corinthians 11. Churches will differ in the frequency of taking communion, and instructing for self-examination. Yet this consideration is paramount, and needs extensive review. Please read and re-read these verses with prayer.
Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 11:27-32
Sadly, many believers claim to have examined themselves thoroughly and are still plagued by illness. The new bible versions used by most churches cause “believers” not to believe every word. Harsher truths are not taught, and self denial is unheard of! If we believed every word from God, we would better understand why damnation is being brought to so many through communion.
Jesus Christ is to be not only our savior, but our Lord as well.
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22:37,38
For many today, Jesus is far away from being the Lord in every part of their lives. They give Him Lordship in tithes, but not spending. Sunday mornings they “sacrifice”; but rarely come to Him otherwise. Overtly bad practices such as smoking and drunkenness may be avoided, but gluttony and other excesses are regularly indulged in. Take time to examine yourself “prayerfully” before God, and ask Him to reveal all the areas which you have not surrendered to the Lordship of Christ.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23,24
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46
We can see then that cancers are mostly (not only) linked to poor diet and environmental exposure. The dietary laws God had given Israel were for their own health and welfare! Today, believers have been given the Holy Spirit—and our bodies have become the temple of God. This is a great responsibility, and the Word of God makes it plain.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. I Corinthians 3:16,17
Did you get that? If you defile the temple (your body), that is to do sinful or unhealthy things, you will be destroyed! Isn’t this what is referred to in I Corinthians 11 concerning taking communion unworthily? Nor is this all that God has said. Jesus through Paul addresses this repeatedly in the letters to the Corinthians.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. I Corinthians 6:19,20
Perhaps you think it small, but illness and death come if you poison the temple of the Holy Ghost, your body. So what of Mark 16:18?
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:18
God has promised His protection against physical attacks by the devil. But He has not promised protection when you knowingly and deliberately poison yourself! Remember, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” He has called you to deny yourself; use the sound mind He provides; respect the Holy Spirit He has given you; and to let Jesus Christ be the Lord of every aspect of your life!
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. I Corinthians 9:24-27
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. II Corinthians 6:16,17
Jesus’ Lordship would also protect against environmental causes of disease, such as toxic chemicals and pollutants. When Jesus is truly your Lord, He will lead you away from such harms! Yes, you will be protected from limited, accidental exposure. But many poison themselves by working in a harmful environment for money! They rationalize, “but I must provide for my family.” Putting your family ahead of Jesus’ Lordship is directly warned against in the Word (see Matthew 10:37, Luke 14:26).
Perhaps you realize that this is true in your life. You are aware that your work is unhealthy, but you honestly cannot see a way out. First of all, pray for protection against the ill effects of what you are in. Confess your desire to serve the Lord even with your body, and that you are unable to fully comply. Then pray in faith believing God to provide the way out. He has promised that way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13) and will make a way for you! Many is the time that our desire to serve Christ is far greater than our abilities (Romans 7). Do not settle for less than the perfection we were called to! Come boldly to the throne of grace and ask for divine help—this is our strength and privilege as children of God.
Many is the time I have heard II Corinthians 12 used as an argument against God’s healing. Let’s look at it now:
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:7-9
First of all, this is a single, isolated verse—as opposed to dozens that promise us healing. We have already seen that there are various reasons the Lord may have for our infirmities, temporarily. He wants to, and will heal us, if we believe.
Secondly, this scripture is often wrongly assumed to be a physical sickness. The thorn in the flesh is described as “the messenger of Satan.” To me this sounds more like a person, than an illness. Paul had many individuals become thorns to him along the way; such as Alexander, Hymenaeus, and Philetus.
Why would you want to “endure and suffer” over this single verse, which isn’t certain to mean illness anyway? It seems to me that from guilt, many are trying to atone for sins by their own suffering. Brethren, Jesus’ suffering paid it all! Let us mature in faith, and lay hold of all that God has for us. The world needs to see that our savior is alive, and vibrant within us.
The content for healing within the Bible is enormous. Please know that what I refer to for healing is not the entirety of scripture. That would be a much longer letter! Hopefully it is comprehensive enough to show you the importance of healing and faith. The gospels are dealt with separately.
So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children. For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife. Genesis 20:17,18
For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. II Chronicles 30:18-20
O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. Psalms 30:2
And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them. Isaiah 19:22
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Malachi 4:2
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; I Corinthians 12:9
See also Numbers 21:8,9; Deuteronomy 32:39; I Kings 17:17-22, 20:5,6; II Kings 4:29-35; II Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 103:2, 107:20; Ecclesiastes 3:3; Isaiah 57:17-19; Jeremiah 30:17, 51:7-9; Ezekiel 34:2-4; Hosea 6:1, 11:3; Micah 7:9; Acts 3:6,7, 28:3-6; I Corinthians 12:28; James 5:14,15
Jesus Christ is the source of our healing, and it was rampant during His earthly ministry. Through the beating He took (stripes), healing is a finished work already!
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. I Peter 2:24
Please do not overlook the influence of devils to cause illnesses. Some of Jesus’ healings are over the infirmities alone, but some refer to spirits or devils as the cause. It may be a difficult truth, but true Christians can be afflicted by devils. They (Christians) are not possessed, and are still truly born again—yet still afflicted. Such was the case in my own life! As I studied the book Blood on the Doorposts (available at Chick.com), the Holy Spirit bore witness within me. These teachings are not earthly psychology; they are based upon experience, and the truth of God’s Word. Please study our section on Spiritual Warfare with discerning prayer.
Today’s organized church really does not teach or acknowledge spiritual warfare, beyond dealing with personal temptations. Jesus wants you to know the truth, and to be armed to the hilt in fighting with the devil (Ephesians 6:10-17)! Best of all, one drop of Jesus’ blood is infinitely more powerful than all the armies of hell! And remember the warning in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Matthew 4:23
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Matthew 8:17
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 9:35
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Matthew 10:1
But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; Matthew 12:15
And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. Mark 8:22-25
This last passage reflects an interesting healing. The faith of those being healed is often tested by Jesus; so we will know that obedience is also required. But in this case Jesus first leads him out of town. Why? Was it the unbelief there? The town was Bethsaida, which was rebuked for their unbelief in Matthew 11:20,21. Or was it not to make a spectacle of this merciful gift from God? We are not told why, but it should be considered important. After this, the man received a partial healing first, before the entire. This we have witnessed over and over in various healings! And the man was also told not to go back into the town! Continue to pursue God in faith for your healing. Also ask the Lord to reveal to you any hindrance.
Needing to be healed drives us to God in prayer. Many times this is exactly what He wants, so He can reveal other issues to us. Learn to submit, trust in the Lord, and patiently wait.
In the gospels, see also; in Matthew: 8:2,3,13-15; 9:1-6,22-25,28-30,32,33; 10:6-8; 12:10-13,22; 14:14,35,36; 15:30; 17:15-18; 19:2; 20:32-34. In Mark: 1:30-34,40,41; 2:5-11; 3:1-5,10,14,15; 5:23-42; 6:13; 7:32-35; 9:17-27; 10:51,52; 16:17,18. In Luke 4:38-40; 5:12,13,24; 6:6-10,19; 7:3-10,12-15,21; 8:2,41-55; 9:1,6,11,42; 10:9,19; 11:14; 13:11-13; 14:2-4; 17:12-14; 18:41-43; 22:50,51. In John: 4:47-52; 5:5-9; 9:6,7; 11:41-44.
As we conclude the presentation of healing according to the Word of God, please consider the following verses:
But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. John 12:10,11
The miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection produced more faith in Jesus. So will His healing power be a witness to the world around us, and greatly increase our own faith. Ask God to increase your faith! Healing is a compassion toward you, and a witness for Jesus to the world.
There is, of course, one time in which our body will not be healed. This time is precious to the Lord, and should be joyfully anticipated by us.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain…For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Philippians 1:21…23
If you are ill, or cancerous, seek the Lord for wisdom. Ask for Him to show you His purpose through it all; especially revealing shortcomings or sins you were unaware of. When you know that all is well spiritually, pray and believe God for His healing—the finished work through the stripes of His Son; Jesus Christ (I Peter 2:24). Believe according to Mark 11:24.
Should the doctors say you have a cancer which will kill you, let it come! Why are you clinging so to this miserable life here? You are supposed to hate life in this world (John 12:25)! Why should you go through costly and painful cancer treatments, when something better (I Corinthians 2:9) is waiting for you? All you will do is leave a legacy of great debt and pain, and will not be showing forth the greatness of God to others. Most who cling to these medical treatments are not really ready to meet God. Ask Him to prepare you.
Individual circumstances regarding infirmities can vary, as will how the Lord directs you. The answer I personally see in God’s Word is that (1) There is a cause for your illness; (2) There is also a spiritual purpose involved, and (3) Our Lord Jesus wants us to believe in Him by faith for our healing. Other instances are quite infrequent, but never excuse yourself from a faith lesson God wants to teach—He has your best in mind (Hebrews 12:11).
Jesus told us that almost no faith would be left by the time of His return (Luke 18:8). More than at any other point in history, it is vital for true believers to show the power of God through faith. The last call for the world is here; time is very short. This is why I broadcast this message so urgently to you!
Please pray—and let the Holy Spirit perfect this message; delivered to you through an imperfect vessel.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. II Corinthians 4:7
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.